France
4 Fulbright-University of Bordeaux Doctoral Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodSeptember StartGrant Length6-10 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
Up to four awards are offered to students enrolled in a doctoral program in the United States to pursue research for their thesis at the University of Bordeaux. Candidates may carry out research projects in any of the disciplines represented at the University of Bordeaux's doctoral schools.
The University of Bordeaux is home to 56,000 students, with 8 doctoral schools, 70 research laboratories, 9 clusters of excellence, and 5 laboratories of excellence. The University was awarded the Campus of Excellence label by the French Government in 2011 for its performance in research and innovation in training.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Orientation
Grantees will be required to attend a mandatory 1- to 2-day in-country orientation in late September, and a 2-day mid-year conference in February (organized by the Fulbright Commission in France).
Candidate Profile
Students enrolled in a doctoral program in the United States
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.
Being a Fulbrighter in France is an unforgettable experience! When not engaged in their project, Fulbrighters enjoy the benefits of the French lifestyle: wonderful food, excellent life-work balance, and enthusiasm for lively debate and discussion. We encourage Fulbrighters to travel the country (and discover its many amazing heritage sites, museums, landscapes, and varied society), and to get involved in community service or other local activities. They are thus able to build strong cross cultural ties between France and the United States.
It is important to note, however, that while the Fulbright Commission is dedicated to assisting Fulbrighters as much as possible to make their transition to France as smooth as possible, Fulbrighters are responsible for securing their own housing and making other administrative arrangements themselves. We recommend that Fulbrighters prepare their stay well ahead of time.
For more information on daily life in France, see https://www.usa.campusfrance.org/daily-life.
Quotes from Fulbright-Université de Bordeaux alumni:
"My Fulbright experience was a catalyst of new opportunities that will substantially continue to impact my future for years to come."
"What began as a dissertation case study using published material has grown immensely over the course of my Fulbright experience. I've gained access to recent and unpublished materials, learned about French geography and landscape through experience, and gained new methodologies for inquiry from the specialties of my host institution. The year has opened a new avenue of research contacts and potential future collaborations for me, and I hope to continue growing my connection with French archaeology and archaeologists moving into the next stages of my career."
"The Fulbright program gave me the freedom to pursue my research how I wanted and make significant, lasting connections with researchers in my field."
Eligibility
10 Months
Doctoral candidates must not have obtained their PhD before completing the proposed Fulbright grant period in France. Otherwise, they should plan on applying to the scholar program.
Degree Level of Applicant
- Doctoral
Special Application Instructions
In the Fulbright online application, please select University of Bordeaux Doctoral Research Award from the Award Name drop-down menu.
Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) Form
If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.
Additional Information: French language proficiency is recommended, commensurate with the requirements of the project. In the Fulbright online application, applicants should include the Language Self-Evaluation and a Foreign Language Evaluation by a professional language instructor in relation to their language proficiency.
Foreign Language Proficiency Level by Grant Start
If a Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is Required, applicants must have the following proficiency level by the start of the grant period. If a Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is Recommended, applicants are encouraged but not required to have the following level by the start of the grant period.
For candidates who will be conducting research in an English-speaking lab, no particular level of French is expected (although we welcome a commitment to taking language courses prior to departure and/or in country). For candidates who will be conducting research in a French-speaking environment, they should demonstrate at least an intermediate level of French.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
It is the applicant's responsibility to secure affiliation with an institution or research unit attached to the University of Bordeaux. A letter of affiliation should be submitted with the application. The letter should be signed by the director of the research laboratory (“directeur du laboratoire”).
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
One-Time Allowances
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
All Fulbright grantees receive 1200 Euros in travel allowance.
Additional Grant Benefits
- Mid-year seminar
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
The Université de Bordeaux guide for visiting international researchers provides information on cost of living. Download link here.
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
The Fulbright Commission provides grantees with a guide to life in France that includes resources and links on finding housing.
Valerie Martin, Fulbright-Université de Bordeaux alumna 2023-2024 at her lab in Bordeaux
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Additional Online Resources
Directory of the Doctoral Schools at the University of Bordeaux: https://doctorat.u-bordeaux.fr/en
Directory of research units at the University of Bordeaux: https://www.u-bordeaux.fr/en/research/research-organisation
Welcome center for international researchers: https://www.u-bordeaux.fr/en/international/come-to-bordeaux/international-phd-students/welcome-to-bordeaux